Polymorphism in Alkali Metal Uranyl Nitrates: Synthesis and Crystal Structure of γ-K(UO2)(NO3)3

Radiation-Induced Defects in Uranyl Trinitrate Solids

Actinides are inherently radioactive; thus, ionizing radiation is emitted by these elements can have profound effects on its surrounding chemical environment through the formation of free radical species. While previous work has noted that the presence of free radicals in the system impacts the redox state of the actinides, there is little atomistic understanding of how these metal cations interact with free radicals. Herein, we explore the effects of radiation (UV and γ) on three U(VI) trinitrate complexes, M[UO2(NO3)3] (where M=K+, Rb+, Cs+), and their respective nitrate salts in the solid state via electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and Raman spectroscopy paired with Density Functional Theory (DFT) methods. We find that the alkali salts form nitrate radicals under UV and γ irradiation, but also note the presence of additional degradation products. M[UO2(NO3)3] solids also form nitrate radicals and additional DFT calculations indicate the species corresponds to a change from the bidentate bound nitrate anion into a monodentate NO3 • radical. Computational studies also highlight the need to include the second sphere coordination environment around the [UO2(NO3)3]0,1 species to gain agreement between the experimental and predicted EPR signatures.

Uranyl Nitrates: By-Products of the Synthetic Experiments or Key Indicators of the Reaction Progress?

Six novel uranyl nitrate compounds K3[(UO2)(NO3)Cl3](NO3) (1, 2), α-Cs2[(UO2)(NO3)Cl3] (3), [(UO2)(NO3)2(H2O)2][(CH3NH3)2(NO3)2] (4), Cs2[(UO2)(NO3)4] (5), and [(UO2)2(OH)2(NO3)2(H2O)3](H2O) (6) have been prepared from aqueous solutions. Their structures were analyzed using single-crystal X-ray diffraction technique. Structural studies have shown that the crystals of 1 and 2 are isotypic but differ in the distortion at the counter ion’s sites. The crystal of 3 is a low-temperature polymorph modification of the recently studied compound. The crystal structure of 4 is composed of uranyl-dinitrate-dihydrate and methylamine-nitrate electroneutral complexes linked through the system of H-bonds. The crystal structure of 5 is based on the finite [(UO2)(NO3)4]2− clusters that are arranged in pseudo-chained complexes extended along [100] and are arranged according to a hexagonal packing or rods. The crystal of 6 is also a novel polymorph modification of previously studied compound, the structure of which is based on the very rare topological type of the finite clusters. Nowadays, uranyl nitrate finite clusters of nine various topological types are known. We give herein a short review of their topological features and relationships. Crystallization of uranyl nitrates usually occurs when all other competitive anions in the system have already formed crystalline phases, or the reaction of reagents have slowed down or even stopped. Thus it is suggested that crystallization of uranyl nitrates can be used as a key indicator of the reaction progress, which points to the necessity of the initial concentrations of reagents correction, or to the replacement of reagents and adjustment of the thermodynamic (P,T) parameters of the synthesis.

The role of cations in uranyl nanocluster association: a molecular dynamics study

Actinyl ions can self-assemble in aqueous solution to form closed cage clusters ranging from 1.5 to 4.0 nm in diameter. The self-assembly, stability, and behavior of the nanoclusters depend on the nature of the aqueous environment, such as the pH and cations present. In this work, a classical force field for [(UO2)20(O2)30]20- (U20) peroxide nanoclusters in aqueous solution was developed from quantum-mechanical calculations. Using molecular dynamics simulations, the preferred binding sites of six cations (Li+, Na+, K+, Rb+, Cs+, and Ca2+) to the nanocluster were determined. Replica exchange molecular dynamics was used to equilibrate the structure and determine the equilibrium distribution of cations and water with respect to the nanocluster cage. In addition, the free energy barriers associated with cations entering the cluster were computed. Finally, the association of two cages was investigated by computing the free energy as a function of intercage distance. The free energy profiles reveal that the nanoclusters prefer to be associated when neutralized with divalent cations, but do not associate when neutralized with monovalent cations. This could explain the formation of tertiary structures observed experimentally.

Crystal structure of [UO2(NH3)5]NO3·NH3

Penta-ammine dioxide uranium(V) nitrate ammonia (1/1), [UO2(NH3)5]NO3·NH3, was obtained in the form of yellow crystals from the reaction of caesium uranyl nitrate, Cs[UO2(NO3)3], and uranium tetra-fluoride, UF4, in dry liquid ammonia. The [UO2]+ cation is coordinated by five ammine ligands. The resulting [UO2(NH3)5] coordination polyhedron is best described as a penta-gonal bipyramid with the O atoms forming the apices. In the crystal, numerous N-H⋯N and N-H⋯O hydrogen bonds are present between the cation, anion and solvent mol-ecules, leading to a three-dimensional network.

[UO2(NH3)5]Br2·NH3: synthesis, crystal structure, and speciation in liquid ammonia solution by first-principles molecular dynamics simulations

X-Ray diffraction and Car–Parrinello molecular dynamics simulations furnish insights into the speciation of uranyl(vi) in liquid ammonia, calling special attention to the effect of solvation on the U–N bond length and bond strength.

Crystal structure of Cs2[Th(NO3)6]

The crystal structure of Cs₂[Th(NO₃)₆] can be derived from a dense packing of idealized CsO₁₂ and ThO₁₂ units. The CsO₁₂ units form a distorted hcp arrangement with half of the octa­hedral sites occupied by ThO₁₂ units.

Dicaesium hexa­nitratothorate(IV), Cs₂[Th(NO₃)₆], was synthesized in the form of colourless crystals by reaction of thorium nitrate and caesium nitrate in aqueous solution. The Th atom is located on an inversion centre and is coordinated by six chelating nitrate anions. The resulting ThO₁₂ coordination polyhedron is best described as a slightly distorted icosa­hedron. The Cs atom also has a coordination number of 12, but its coordination polyhedron is considerably more distorted. The crystal packing can be derived from an hexa­gonal dense packing (hcp) of idealized spherical CsO₁₂ and ThO₁₂ units. The CsO₁₂ units form a distorted hcp arrangement and half of the octa­hedral sites are occupied by the ThO₁₂ units.